Cradled in the soothing embrace of nature, Shimla truly is a paradise on earth. Well-known as the queen of hills flaunting an abundance of green pastures and snow-capped peaks, this glorious destination is a mosaic of pure beauty and grace. Adorned with glittering lakes, marvelous sights and rhododendron forests; Shimla is the place where adventurers can test their endurance and honeymooners can enjoy undisturbed seclusion.

Deriving its name from the goddess ‘Shayamla Devi’, Shimla is a popular tourist destination of India. It preserves its exquisite colonial heritage with grand old buildings, attractive iron lampposts and Anglo-Saxon Names.

Shimla exhibits a fairy-tale like magnificence, enveloping the entire city with snow during the winters, revealing a perfect picturesque setting of floral elegance during spring and illuminating the best sunsets during the monsoons.

The Himalayan beauties:

A treat for your appetite

Shimla is a heaven for foodies. Wide range of restaurants, dhabas, fast food joints, bakeries and other eateries are found in the market areas of the city. Ashiana is a renowned restaurant where one can find local Himachali cuisine. Alfa restaurant, Cecil, Devicos and India coffee house are some of the major eat outs.

Get ready for some action

Offering snow covered mountains and astounding sights of the thriving green hills, Shimla boasts of an outstanding variety of family adventures. Chail is a little hilly rapture, known to be the highest cricket ground in the world. Kufri is the winter sports capital famous for its skiing activities. Indulging in a gamut of activities like camping, bungee jumping, para gliding, safaries, avid hikers can survey the sublime artistry of temples, jagged mountains and flower-filled meadows.

Shop till you drop

Shimla truly is a shopaholic’s delight. The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla that includes restaurants, clubs, banks and bars. One can find many budget hotels in and around this area. Tibetan market is also one the most chaotic yet lively places of the city. Right from small souvenirs, ornaments to stunning wooden handicrafts, Shimla has an array of exquisite merchandises to offer. Juices, jams, squashes, pickles and sauces are purchased the most. A smart shopper would definitely find Shimla shopping a pleasurable experience.

A sight to remember

Shimla showcases an authentic charm that captures not just the attention but leaves a deep impression on the souls of its visitors. Standing tall, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak that offers a beautiful view of the town and the Himalayas. Recognized as the second oldest church in Northern India, Christ Church has a stately appearance and is situated in Ridge. Tara Devi, Shimla State Museum, Mashobra, Naldehra are some of the much marveled stopovers. There are many hotels in shimla located in and around these picturesque tourist sites. Gleaming glaciers, the solace and grand old structures that are reminisces of the colonial architecture have being a major crowd-puller.

The journey has just began

Shimla has a lot more to offer! Reputed to be the best market for handicrafts in Himachal Pradesh, it is a valuable contributor of woolen and pashmina shawls, decorative items, handmade shoes, dolls, carved wooden sticks, toys and other items made from wood that are on sale in Lakkar Bazar. Being the only rink for the ice-skaters, an Ice-skating Carnival is arranged every year by the Ice-skating Club during January. Numerous festivals are organized during the summers as well, featuring proficient enthusiasts displaying their talent in song, dance and music both Indian and Western.

Shimla is utterly enchanting, with panoramic views, bustling bazaars, calming hills, historical temples and ornately carved churches. It sure is a magical hill station; the irresistible and incredible scenic beauty of which is a must to be explored.

A talented dancer and writer, Alvita is a BMM graduate and a Certified Preschool teacher who loves to spend time with children. When she’s not churning out fancy words as a Writer, she brushes up on her creative skills with numerous D.I.Y projects.

awesome article.. Shimla is a really nice place, i have visited there many time. its one of my favorite places to go for winter holidays. im looking forward to visit there again soon, btw thanks for the info.